Ethan Towers, 27, was jailed for life for raping a baby five times while John Watson, 28, was also jailed for life for encouraging the abuse at Cambridge Crown Court
Two men have been handed life sentences after a baby was subjected to rape on five occasions last summer.
Ethan Towers, 27, and John Watson, 28, were branded “dangerous and a risk to the public” by a judge before receiving their custodial terms.
Cambridge Crown Court was told that Towers, from St Ives, Cambridgeshire, carried out five rapes against the infant while Watson, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, incited him to commit the abuse. Judge Mark Bishop remarked that the “youth of the baby was extreme”.
Towers received a minimum term of 12 years and five months while Watson was sentenced to 13 years and four months imprisonment on Wednesday (April 1).
The court was informed that Towers transmitted indecent photographs of children to Watson. Watson, who was already subject to a sexual harm prevention order due to prior convictions, also exchanged explicit material with another minor under the age of 16.
Towers entered guilty pleas to five counts of rape while Watson admitted two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The 28 year old also pleaded guilty to multiple offences relating to indecent images of children and engaging in sexual communication with a child.
In addition to their life terms, both men were made subject to restraining orders. They were also required to pay a victim surcharge of £228, reports the Express.
The judge presented a victim impact statement from the baby’s mother during proceedings. She expressed that the trauma has left her feeling “more isolated and fearful than ever”.
A victim statement from a child contacted by both men on social media was also read aloud by the judge. The young person described feeling “set free” after Towers and Watson were convicted.
The judge stated he was “satisfied” that both defendants were “dangerous and a risk to the public”. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it had referred the matter to the relevant safeguarding authorities.
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